11–15% of the AP exam. 7 key topics. 4 common errors analyzed.
Unit 8 (Acids and Bases) is part of the AP Chemistry core curriculum. Work through each key topic in sequence, constructing ICE tables, net ionic equations, or energy diagrams as appropriate.
These are the most frequently penalized mistakes on AP exam FRQs and MCQs. Review each before your next practice session.
Applying Henderson-Hasselbalch using the equivalence-point volume instead of the half-equivalence-point volume, or confusing the half-equivalence point pH (= pKa) with the equivalence-point pH in titration curve analysis
Writing Ka + Kb = Kw (incorrect addition) instead of the correct multiplicative relationship Ka × Kb = Kw = 1.0 × 10^-14 for a conjugate acid-base pair
Calculating pOH correctly but neglecting the final conversion to pH (pH = 14 − pOH at 25°C), stopping one algebraic step short of the answer
Setting up ICE tables for weak acid/base equilibria without applying the small-x approximation check, leading to either unnecessary complexity or an invalid approximation that produces significant error
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